“This isn’t over,” Julian added.

Ethan laughed, a dry, mocking sound that echoed in the high rafters of the chapel.

“Go run hide, Julian,” Ethan called out as we turned toward the exit.

“Like you always do.”

We walked out of the chapel and into the biting Lake Forest wind.

The sky was a dull, heavy gray, promising snow before nightfall.

My hands were shaking so badly I could barely open the passenger door of Julian’s SUV.

I climbed inside, the smell of cold leather wrapping around me.

Julian got into the driver’s seat and immediately turned on the heater.

The engine roared to life, and he pulled out of the gravel driveway, leaving the church behind.

I pulled my phone out of my pocket and dialed Mrs. Ramirez back.

She answered on the first ring.

“Grace? Are you alright?” her voice came through the speaker, warm and anxious.

“We’re on our way back, Mrs. Ramirez,” I said, my voice cracking. “Is Sophie okay?”

“She is sleeping like an angel right next to me,” Mrs. Ramirez assured me.